(a)
- (1) The presiding officer presides at the hearing and may rule on motions, require briefs, and issue such orders as will ensure the orderly conduct of the proceedings.
- (2) Provided, however, any presiding officer other than the Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians shall not enter a dispositive order or proposed decision unless expressly authorized in writing to do so.
- (b) All objections must be made in a timely manner and stated on the record.
- (c) Parties have the right to participate or to be represented by counsel in all hearings or prehearing conferences related to their case.
- (d) Subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, Arkansas Code § 25-15-201 et seq., parties have the right to introduce evidence on issues of material fact, cross-examine witnesses as necessary for a full and true disclosure of the facts, present evidence in rebuttal, and, upon request by the board, may submit briefs and engage in oral argument.
- (e) The presiding officer is charged with maintaining the decorum of the hearing and may refuse to admit, or may expel, anyone whose conduct is disorderly.